Cabo da Roca

With sore feet and salty skin, we were coming to an end of our time in Sintra. As such, Eric and I broke from the advice of our innkeeper and set out at about 6pm for the Cabo da Roca. As the western most point in continental Europe, the Cabo da Roca has developed into relaxed retreat area with many getaways and low-key restaurants.

The major problem with our desire to visit the Cabo was transportation. To get there, we hailed a taxi and were off. After 30 minutes or so, we wound our way into the circular drive near the point. It was only then that we realized the isolation of the spot and the near fatal flaw in our decision not to pay the taxi that brought us to remain and takes us back in half an hour. Lucky for us, there were two scheduled buses to come the rest of the night, including one that would take us back to Sintra.

As we set off exploring, it was hard not to be impressed by the geography and charm of the location, even with the less than perfect weather in which we found it. As with any seaside location, cloudiness can come and go, and for the hour of our occupation, it had come. The wind swept over the cliffs with regularity and strength. A short walk to the point, and you could see the infinite possibilities that generations had felt in similar locations. While I know the world that lies across the Atlantic, many to stand before had only known possibilities and imagined routes.

Cliff side view of monument.

The site is dominated by a tired lighthouse that but for its location, and with a small squinting of the eyes, could be a farm and silo from the Kansas prairie. A large cross stands at the utmost western point, strong in it defiance of the huge drop-off and crashing waters below. The country that surrounds is rolling and green with little flowers and fields of grass. It was Eric’s first time to see seaside cliffs in person, and I think they made a good impression.

A bus did arrive, much to our relief; however, the bus was not the one we needed. Luckily, a nice bus driver and empty bus meant that we got a free ride and drop off to an area of restaurants near the Cabo. With a promise to return when his route reversed in an hour, we left the bus and went for dinner. Although not really open, we found a restaurant and with it a rich dinner of salmon and beef filets. While very fresh, we seemed to have found the salted scent of the sea - but plated (even coating the salad!). A little salt was a small price for the beautiful and relaxed setting.

At the promised time, the bus pulled back in, and we were off for a winding journey back to the hotel and an end to our Sintra time.